Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but sometimes, it can be a bit stressful. Whether you’re traveling for work, and you have a full itinerary of meetings and presentations and only one day to explore the city, or whether you’re traveling with family, and have the logistics of planning the right activities to deal with, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Luckily, now that most of have smartphones, there are some apps out there that are guaranteed to make traveling less stressful. If it’s your first time on a trip or your hundredth, you’re sure to get something out of this list.
1 Airline apps
If you’re flying, then you’ll want to ensure that you download your airline’s app. Most airlines have them these days, and it means that checking in for your flight and getting your boarding pass is only a click away--no more need to enter endless information into your computer and print off a boarding pass only to find out that your printer’s run out of ink.
2 Google Maps
Whether you’re going on a road trip or flying somewhere, Google Maps will never let you down. Especially if you’ve pre-mapped the trip while connected to 3G or wifi, this app will continue to track your movements and tell you which way to go, which can be very useful when traveling internationally without signal. And once you’re connected again, the app can help you find nearby places, whether you’re looking for the closest restaurant or theater.
3 Spotify
One of the best things about Spotify is that, if you have the premium version, it can be used even when you’re offline. So whether you’re making the perfect playlist for the kids, or for rocking out in the car on a drive down the Amalfi coast with your girlfriend, this app’s got you covered. The same goes for similar apps such as Apple Music.
4 Netflix
A little-known secret about Netflix that many people don’t know is that there are many titles available for download if you have the app installed on your phone or tablet. So even if you’re on a bus, train, or a plane without entertainment, that doesn’t mean you have to sit there bored. A lone traveler can enjoy their favorite shows--and if you’re a parent, it’ll save you lots of the “are we there yet?” drama.
5 Audiobooks from Audible
Audiobooks from Audible, too, is another way to stay entertained during the more boring, transit-related parts of your journey. Whether it’s a training manual that offers accounting homework help or a mystery that you listen to every day on your commute, traveling can be a great chance to sit back and listen to the books you just haven’t had the time to “read” yet.
6 Rick Steves Audio Europe Travel App
For any history lover, there’s nothing better than the Rick Steves Audio Europe Travel App. Find yourself in almost any European city, and Rick’s got self-guided walking tours available that you can listen to as you walk along with him. And the best part is that you can download everything you need beforehand, including maps, and access it all whether or not you have 3G.
7 Uber
If you’re traveling in a large metropolitan city, in many parts of the world, Uber is going to be available. So it’s a great idea to make sure you download it before heading out, no matter where you’re going. You’ll also want to you research what other rideshare apps might be used in the cities you’re visiting--and if it’s a slightly less safe country, ensure you check with reception before accepting rides.
8 Airbnb
For anyone who wants more of a local feel during their visit--or particular needs, such as a set of beds and a kitchen if you’re traveling with your family--then Airbnb is a great way to live in a new place like a local. Whether it’s an apartment in Paris or a farmhouse in the English moors, there are plenty of options to choose from, and it’s easy to book once you’ve created an online profile.
9 Sidekix
Sidekix is one of those apps that makes getting around a new place easier. For anyone who loves exploring a city by foot, this is a smart walking navigation and urban discovery app that routes your walks through a city not only by distance but also by interest. So, for example, if you love nightlife, it’ll take you to that part of town. If you prefer quiet cafes, that’s how the app routes your trip.
10 Site-specific apps
Finally, whatever city you’re going to, you’ll want to see if there are apps that service solely that place. For example, many large cities such as New York or London have apps that can be used in tandem with their public transportation systems.
What apps do you use every time you travel, besides the usual Facebook and Instagram? Which ones have you found the most useful, and why?